Is Specter defection GOOD for the GOP?

Gloating democrats have made no secret of their opinion that the conversion of Arlen Specter from Red State to Blue State is the death knell of the opposition party. But some have another theory that it may be the beginning of real problems for the Democrats and President Obama.

With the likely seating of Al Franken from Minnesota, Democrats will have 60 seats in the Senate, giving Obama unambiguous governing majorities in both bodies. He’ll be responsible for everything. GOP obstructionism will go away as an issue, and Democratic defections will become the constant worry and story line. This will make it easier for GOP candidates in 2010 to ask to be elected to help restore some checks and balance in Washington -- and, meanwhile, Specter’s party change won’t likely have made much difference in getting key legislation passed or not.

It is an interesting theory, and I think more than a little true. Jim Jeffords did little to weaken GWB, in the end, and instead allowed the GOP to come together against a perceived outside threat. This may be the stimulus that Republicans need to finally rally together, and begin repairing the party from the inside-out.